Huawei's Mate 70 smartphone utilizes a specialized CIS from Spectricity to improve color accuracy, especially for its RYYB sensor. While this solution enhances color reproduction, it is costly. The Mate 70's strong sales and increased production demonstrate its popularity and Huawei's ability to innovate despite supply chain constraints
Japanese semiconductor distributors are strengthening their foothold in China through strategic partnerships and acquisitions to navigate the complexities of US-China trade tensions, particularly in meeting the growing demand for mature process chips in the automotive sector
Samsung Electronics launched its One UI 7 Beta testing program in Taiwan on December 6, 2024, introducing the most significant upgrade to the One UI interface in recent years. This update aligns with Samsung's strategy to integrate advanced AI features into its upcoming flagship model, the Galaxy S25, set to launch in the first quarter of 2025
The European Union is tightening its subsidy rules for green hydrogen production, effectively barring products with substantial Chinese involvement. The move reflects lessons learned from past challenges with Chinese competition, particularly in the solar energy sector, and aligns with strategies adopted by the US and Japan to counter Beijing's industrial dominance
The Chinese semiconductor industry is making strides in building an advanced local supply chain for packaging and testing, despite the US government's export controls targeting advanced processes and the AI sector
Intel finds itself in a precarious situation as the global supply chain, particularly among Taiwanese manufacturers, continues to struggle without viable solutions. Similarly, Samsung Electronics' foundry business remains a potential crisis point
Fujifilm is expanding its chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing agent production in Japan to meet the rising demand for AI chips in Asia. This expansion will increase production by 30% and cater to major clients like TSMC. Fujifilm is also investing in other semiconductor materials, including EUV photoresists and color filter materials, to strengthen its position in the semiconductor industry
The Biden administration has unveiled the largest and most extensive list of chip sanctions against China to date, primarily targeting Chinese semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers. However, the anticipated impact on the industry appears less severe than previously estimated due to Chinese enterprises focusing on localization for the past four to five years
NXP Semiconductors leads European expansion into China's semiconductor market, with executive vice president Andy Micallef outlining the company's plans to develop a supply chain in the region, citing China's position as the world's largest market for electric vehicles and telecommunications
The global EV market is rapidly expanding, particularly in China, driven by affordable models and government support. While Europe and the US face slower growth due to various factors, China's dominance continues to increase. Taiwan's automotive industry, leveraging its robust ICT sector, focuses on smart vehicle technologies to capitalize on this growing market
With the US implementing new semiconductor export controls, Samsung Electronics (Samsung) and SK Hynix have gained temporary relief as they advance their process upgrades at factories in Xi'an and Wuxi. However, the exclusion of CXMT from the Entity List has sparked concerns in the South Korean industry
China's electric vehicle (EV) sector sparked to life in 2014, marked by the emergence of pioneering startups like NIO, Li Auto, and XPeng Motors. In the five years that followed, over 60 new players entered the market, while 400 companies registered without ever producing a single vehicle
Rapidus is underway with the construction of a wafer fab in Chitose City, Hokkaido. The company aims to commence trial production of 2nm chips by April 2025 and anticipates scaling to mass production by 2027. Unlike semiconductor hub Kyushu, home to TSMC's operations, Hokkaido's lack of semiconductor infrastructure presents unique logistical challenges
Apple Intelligence is targeting launch in the Chinese market by April 2025, but reports indicate that its collaboration with Baidu is facing difficulties
